Rina began collaborating with London-based producer Hoost and released her debut single ’Sleeping In Waking’ in 2013. In 2016, she was included in The Fader's 13 Artists You Need To Know About In 2017. Her debut EP ’RINA’ was released in 2017.
In 2018, she released the new single ’Valentine’ on Valentine’s Day. The music video for album track ’Ordinary Superstar’ was released in June 2018. In August 2018, Sawayama released the track ’Cherry’, in which she explores her sexual identity. Sawayama embarked on her ‘Ordinary Superstar Tour’ across the UK and United States in late 2018.
In 2019, Rina began to rollout of her debut full-length album, starting with the single ‘STFU!’, which is based on her experiences of micro-aggressions as an Asian woman. The album's third single ’XS’, which serves as a satirical criticism of modern capitalism, was released in March 2020, and was well received, helping her get her name more known. The album, ’SAWAYAMA’ was finally released on April 17, and went onto become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. It was praised for its mix of genres, wide range of influences and vocal performances. The project made multiple end-of-year lists, notably ranking #1 on The Line Of Best Fit's list. The album was also loved by musical icon Elton John, who would then go on to feature on a new duet version of the single ‘Chosen Family’.
Rina would embark on the ‘Dynasty Tour’ for the album in 2021 after being delayed a year. Soon after in May 2022, Rina announced her sophomore album ’Hold The Girl’, scheduled for a September 2nd release, along with the lead single ‘This Hell’, which puts a fun spin on negative stigma towards the LGBTQ+ community. The album's release was pushed back to September 16th, with the singles ’Catch Me In The Air’, the title track, ’Phantom’ and ‘Hurricanes’ being released in the run up. The record also garnered positive reviews upon release, and debuted at #3 on the UK charts, Rina's first time charting this high. The ‘Hold The Girl Tour’ began in October 2022, and ended in February of the following year. This tour was followed up by a second run of North America, titled ‘Hold The Girl Tour - Reloaded’, beginning in June 2023, and rounding up the tour and era in October of the same year.
Many of Sawayama’s tracks are co-written and produced by Clarence Clarity. She has also collaborated with the likes of Shamir, Bree Runway, and Charli XCX, the latter of which's collaboration ’Beg For You’ gave Rina her first top 40 hit in the UK. In September 2023, Empress Of released her single ‘Kiss Me’ featuring Sawayama.
Xs
Rina Sawayama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey, I want it all, don't have to choose
And when the heart wants what it wants, what can I do?
So I'll take that one, that one, yeah, that one too
Luxury and opulence, Cartiers and Tesla X's
Calabasas, I deserve it
Call me crazy, call me selfish
I'm the baddest and I'm worth it
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
Oh, me, oh, my
I don't wanna hear "No, no"
Only want a "Yes, yes"
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit of (excess, excess)
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
Oh, me, oh, my
I don't wanna hear "No, no"
Only want a "Yes, yes"
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit of (excess, excess)
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
Flex
When all that's left is immaterial
And the price we paid is unbelievable
And I'm takin' in as much as I can hold
Here are the things you'll never know
Make me less, so, I want more
Bought a zip-code, at the mall
Call me crazy, call me selfish
Say I'm neither, would you believe her?
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
Oh, me, oh, my
I don't wanna hear "No, no"
Only want a "Yes, yes"
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit of (excess, excess)
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
Oh, me, oh, my
Where did it go awry?
When all this time, Heaven was in our eyes
So, say goodnight, forget about it 'til the end of time
Yeah, I want more, more, more, more
More, more, more, more, more
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
Oh, me, oh, my
I don't wanna hear "No, no"
Only want a "Yes, yes"
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit more, I need it now
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
Oh, me, oh, my
I don't wanna hear "No, no"
Only want a "Yes, yes"
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit
Oh, me, oh, my
Gimme just a little bit, little bit of
A little more (excess, excess)
A little bit more (excess, excess)
A little bit more (excess, excess)
In Rina Sawayama's song Xs, she talks about wanting it all and not having to choose. She sings about taking everything she wants, including luxury items like Cartiers and Tesla X's, and feeling like she deserves it all. Despite being called crazy and selfish, Rina sees herself as the baddest and worth it. She is looking for a "Yes" rather than a "No" and wants a little bit more of everything. The excess that she refers to makes her feel powerful, and she wants more of it.
The theme of the song is very contextual with the modern culture's inclination for consumption and being urged to want more through advertisements. It points out how people nowadays are becoming finite to excess, which they must own, see, feel or experience. In a world of unlimited choices, we continuously crave more, and yet, we are not satisfied with everything we have. Rina reflects in the song that she is guilty and aware of this weakness, seeking a little more luxury and opulence.
The song is catchy, with a lively pop beat to match the lyrics' extra and dramatic tone. Rina's style has been praised as a mix of nostalgic pop and modern sound, and that is evident in Xs. Rina's vocals are dynamic and engaging, with her tone shifting from seductive to firm as she sings about her desire for excess.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, I want it all, don't have to choose
I desire everything and don't want to settle for less.
And when the heart wants what it wants, what can I do?
I can't resist the pull of my heart and its strong desires.
So I'll take that one, that one, yeah, that one too
I want everything that catches my eye and appeals to me.
Luxury and opulence, Cartiers and Tesla X's
I want the finest things in life, luxurious items like Cartiers and Tesla X's.
Calabasas, I deserve it
I think I deserve to live in a rich and upscale place like Calabasas.
Call me crazy, call me selfish
People may judge me as insane and selfish for my aspirations.
I'm the baddest and I'm worth it
I am excellent and worth all the luxury and extravagance that I want.
Gimme just a little bit more, little bit of excess
I just need a little more of what I already have in excess.
I don't wanna hear "No, no"
I won't take no for an answer and only want yeses.
Only want a "Yes, yes"
I am adamant about getting only positive responses.
Flex
Showing off my wealth and assets.
When all that's left is immaterial
When all that matters is material things.
And the price we paid is unbelievable
We have given a lot to attain what we have, and it's hard to believe the cost.
And I'm takin' in as much as I can hold
I am enjoying and indulging in everything that I have accumulated.
Here are the things you'll never know
There are some parts of me you will never understand or comprehend.
Make me less, so, I want more
The more you try to limit me, the more I crave and desire.
Bought a zip-code, at the mall
I purchased an expensive property at the mall.
Say I'm neither, would you believe her?
If someone denies that I am selfish and crazy, would you believe them?
Where did it go awry?
Where did everything go wrong?
When all this time, Heaven was in our eyes
We couldn't see or appreciate the beauty and heaven around us all this time.
So, say goodnight, forget about it 'til the end of time
Let's say goodbye and forget everything bad that happened in the past; let's start anew.
Yeah, I want more, more, more, more
I want everything and more.
Gimme just a little bit more, I need it now
I need more of what I have in excess right now, just a little bit more.
A little more (excess, excess)
Just a little bit more indulgence and extravagance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Christopher Boland Jones, Kyle Michael Shearer, Nate Campany, Rina Sawayama
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind